Science &#8211; Key Stage 3 Curriculum Plan

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Half-Term 2

Summary

Topics covered:

Forces and Motion

Particle Model

The forces topic introduces students to concepts such as gravity, friction, air resistance, and balanced and unbalanced forces, explaining how they affect motion.

The particle model teaches that all matter is made up of tiny particles arranged differently in solids, liquids, and gases. It also explains how particle movement and spacing account for changes of state, diffusion, and pressure.

Key Vocabulary

· Force
A push or pull acting on an object.

· Friction
A force that resists motion between two surfaces.

· Gravity
The force that pulls objects towards the Earth (or any massive body).

· Weight
The force of gravity acting on an object (measured in newtons).

· Mass
The amount of matter in an object (measured in kilograms).

· Air Resistance
A force that slows down objects moving through air.

· Balanced Forces
Forces that are equal and opposite, causing no change in motion.

· Unbalanced Forces
Forces that are not equal, causing a change in motion.

· Contact Force
A force that acts when two objects touch.

· Non-contact Force
A force that acts at a distance (e.g., gravity, magnetism).

· Particle
Tiny pieces that make up all matter.

· Solid
A state of matter where particles are packed closely and vibrate in place.

· Liquid
A state of matter where particles are close together but can move past each other.

· Gas
A state of matter where particles are far apart and move freely.

· Density
How much mass is packed into a given volume.

· Diffusion
The spreading out of particles from high concentration to low concentration.

· Brownian Motion
Random movement of particles caused by collisions.

· Pressure
The force particles exert when they collide with surfaces.

· Evaporation
When particles escape from a liquid to become a gas.

· Condensation
When gas particles lose energy and become a liquid.

How to support your child at home

Encouraging curiosity and making science part of everyday life. Simple activities like discussing natural phenomena, exploring how household items work, or watching educational videos together can spark interest.

Asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Providing a quiet space for homework, checking their understanding, and praising effort rather than just results can build confidence and motivation.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm—when parents value science, children are more likely to engage and enjoy it.
Encourage your child to complete their SPARX Science independent learning.

Useful Resources

BBC Bitesize

Search forces or particles

SPARX Science

PhET interactive simulations

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Half-Term 3

Summary

Topics Covered:

Biology Practical’s

Reproduction

In these topics, students will revisit and build upon the scientific enquiry skills introduced in the Being a Scientist unit. They will carry out a range of practical investigations while learning about key biological processes such as respiration and enzyme action. Through these activities, students will strengthen their ability to identify independent, dependent, and control variables, record accurate data, and apply safety procedures.

Students will learn about reproduction as one of the seven life processes, exploring both sexual and asexual reproduction. They will study the structure and function of reproductive organs, the role of gametes, fertilisation, and the development of embryos, as well as the importance of reproduction for survival and variation within species.

Key Vocabulary

· Reproduction
The process by which animals produce offspring.

· Sexual Reproduction
Involves two parents and produces genetically varied offspring.

· Gamete
A sex cell (sperm or egg) used in reproduction.

· Sperm Cell
The male gamete in animals.

· Egg Cell (Ovum)
The female gamete in animals.

· Fertilisation
The joining of a sperm cell and an egg cell.

· Zygote
The single cell formed after fertilisation.

· Embryo
The early stage of development after the zygote divides.

· Gestation
The period of development of an embryo or fetus inside the mother.

· Puberty
The stage when an animal (or human) becomes capable of reproduction

How to support your child at home

Encouraging curiosity and making science part of everyday life. Simple activities like discussing natural phenomena, exploring how household items work, or watching educational videos together can spark interest.

Asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Providing a quiet space for homework, checking their understanding, and praising effort rather than just results can build confidence and motivation.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm—when parents value science, children are more likely to engage and enjoy it.
Encourage your child to complete their SPARX Science independent learning.

Useful Resources

BBC Bitesize

Search reproduction

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PhET interactive simulations

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Half-Term 4

Summary

Topics covered:

Chemistry practicals

In this unit, students will take part in a variety of chemistry practical investigations designed to strengthen their experimental skills and techniques. They will learn to identify independent, dependent, and control variables, plan and carry out experiments safely, and record accurate observations and measurements. These activities will reinforce key concepts in chemistry while developing confidence in scientific enquiry.

Key Vocabulary

· Variable
Something that can change in an experiment.

· Independent Variable
The factor you change in an experiment.

· Dependent Variable
The factor you measure in an experiment.

· Control Variable
Factors you keep the same to make the test fair.

· Accuracy
How close a measurement is to the true value.

· Precision
How close repeated measurements are to each other.

· Reliability
How consistent results are when repeated.

· Anomalous Result
A result that does not fit the pattern.

· Repeatability
Getting similar results when the same person repeats the experiment.

· Reproducibility
Getting similar results when different people repeat the experiment.

How to support your child at home

Encouraging curiosity and making science part of everyday life. Simple activities like discussing natural phenomena, exploring how household items work, or watching educational videos together can spark interest.

Asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Providing a quiet space for homework, checking their understanding, and praising effort rather than just results can build confidence and motivation.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm—when parents value science, children are more likely to engage and enjoy it.
Encourage your child to complete their SPARX Science independent learning.

Useful Resources

BBC Bitesize

Search variables

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PhET interactive simulations

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Half-Term 5

Summary

Topics covered:

Acids and Alkalis

Physics practical’s

Students will learn what acids and alkalis are, how to identify them using indicators, and how they react with other substances. They will also explore their everyday uses and understand the importance of neutralisation in real-life contexts.

In the Physics practical topic students will engage in a series of hands-on physics investigations designed to reinforce key scientific principles and concepts. Through these practical activities, they will develop essential scientific enquiry skills, including planning experiments, making accurate measurements, analysing data, and evaluating results. This experiential approach aims to build confidence in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts, fostering curiosity and critical thinking.

Key Vocabulary

· Acid
A substance with a pH less than 7 that produces hydrogen ions in solution.

· Alkali
A base that dissolves in water and produces hydroxide ions.

· pH Scale
A scale from 0 to 14 that shows how acidic or alkaline a substance is.

· Neutral
A substance with a pH of 7 (neither acidic nor alkaline).

· Indicator
A chemical that changes colour to show whether a substance is acidic or alkaline.

· Litmus
A common indicator that turns red in acids and blue in alkalis.

· Universal Indicator
An indicator that shows a range of colours for different pH values.

· Neutralisation
A reaction between an acid and an alkali to form a salt and water.

· Salt
A compound formed when an acid reacts with a base or alkali.

· Corrosive
A substance that can damage materials, skin, or eyes (often acids or alkalis).

How to support your child at home

Encouraging curiosity and making science part of everyday life. Simple activities like discussing natural phenomena, exploring how household items work, or watching educational videos together can spark interest.

Asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Providing a quiet space for homework, checking their understanding, and praising effort rather than just results can build confidence and motivation.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm—when parents value science, children are more likely to engage and enjoy it.
Encourage your child to complete their SPARX Science independent learning.

Useful Resources

BBC Bitesize

Search acids and alkalis

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PhET interactive simulations

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Half-Term 6

Summary

Topics covered:

Space

Review of the year and end of year assessment preparation

In our Space topic, students will explore the structure and scale of the universe, learning about planets, stars, moons, and artificial satellites. They will investigate how the Earth’s rotation and orbit cause day and night, seasons, and the apparent movement of celestial bodies. This topic aims to develop an understanding of the relationships between the Earth, Sun, and Moon, and how these influence life on our planet.

Students will then consolidate their learning from all Year 7 science topics through structured review activities and targeted practice. They will reflect on key concepts, strengthen their understanding of scientific vocabulary, and apply their knowledge to a range of questions in preparation for the end-of-year assessment, which covers the full breadth of content studied throughout the year.

Key Vocabulary

· Universe
Everything that exists, including all matter and energy.

· Galaxy
A huge collection of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity (e.g., the Milky Way).

· Star
A ball of hot gases that produces light and heat through nuclear fusion.

· Planet
A large object that orbits a star and does not produce its own light.

· Moon
A natural satellite that orbits a planet.

· Orbit
The path an object takes around another object in space.

· Gravity
The force that attracts objects toward each other, especially planets and stars.

· Solar System
The Sun and all the objects that orbit it, including planets, moons, and asteroids.

· Asteroid
A rocky object that orbits the Sun, smaller than a planet.

· Comet
A small icy object that orbits the Sun and develops a tail when near it.

How to support your child at home

Encouraging curiosity and making science part of everyday life. Simple activities like discussing natural phenomena, exploring how household items work, or watching educational videos together can spark interest.

Asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Providing a quiet space for homework, checking their understanding, and praising effort rather than just results can build confidence and motivation.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm—when parents value science, children are more likely to engage and enjoy it.
Encourage your child to complete their SPARX Science independent learning.

Useful Resources

BBC Bitesize

Search space

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PhET interactive simulations

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Year 8

Overview / Introduction

In Year 8, students will study topics across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, building on the foundational ideas introduced in Year 7. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to reinforce prior learning while introducing new concepts in a logical and coherent way. Lessons place a strong emphasis on practical work to develop scientific skills and deepen understanding. Each lesson begins with a retrieval activity to strengthen recall, assess understanding, and inform future learning, ensuring that students are well-prepared for continued progress in science.

Half-Term 1

Summary

Topics covered:

Respiration and Photosynthesis

Biology practicals

Students will learn how respiration releases energy from glucose in living organisms and explore the differences between aerobic and anaerobic processes.

They will also understand how photosynthesis in plants converts light energy into chemical energy, and how these two processes are interconnected in the cycling of carbon and energy.

In our Biology practical topic, students will engage in a range of hands-on biology investigations designed to strengthen their understanding of fundamental biological principles and processes.

Key Vocabulary

· Glucose – The sugar molecule used in respiration and produced in photosynthesis.

· Oxygen – Required for aerobic respiration and released during photosynthesis.

· Carbon dioxide – A reactant in photosynthesis and a product of respiration.

· Chlorophyll – The green pigment in plants that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.

· Mitochondria – The cell organelle where respiration occurs.

· Chloroplast – The cell organelle where photosynthesis takes place.

· Energy – Released during respiration and stored in glucose during photosynthesis.

· Aerobic – Respiration that uses oxygen.

· Anaerobic – Respiration that occurs without oxygen.

· Stomata – Small openings in leaves that allow gas exchange.

How to support your child at home

Encouraging curiosity and making science part of everyday life. Simple activities like discussing natural phenomena, exploring how household items work, or watching educational videos together can spark interest.
Asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Providing a quiet space for homework, checking their understanding, and praising effort rather than just results can build confidence and motivation.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm—when parents value science, children are more likely to engage and enjoy it.
Encourage your child to complete their SPARX Science independent learning.

Useful Resources

BBC Bitesize

Search respiration and photosynthesis

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PhET interactive simulations

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Half-Term 2

Summary

Topics covered:

Elements, compounds and the periodic table

Chemistry practicals

In this topic, students will explore the fundamental building blocks of matter and develop an understanding of how substances are structured and combined.

In our Chemistry practical topic, students will engage in a range of hands-on chemistry investigations designed to strengthen their understanding of fundamental practical chemistry.

Key Vocabulary

· Atom – The smallest unit of matter, made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

· Element – A pure substance consisting of only one type of atom.

· Compound – A substance formed when two or more elements chemically bond.

· Mixture – A combination of substances that are not chemically bonded.

· Periodic Table – A chart that organizes all known elements by their properties.

· Chemical Symbol – A one- or two-letter representation of an element (e.g., H for hydrogen).

· Chemical Formula – Shows the types and numbers of atoms in a compound (e.g., H₂O).

· Bond – The force that holds atoms together in molecules or compounds.

· Reaction – A process in which substances change to form new substances.

· Conservation of Mass – The principle that mass is not lost or gained during a chemical reaction.

How to support your child at home

Encouraging curiosity and making science part of everyday life. Simple activities like discussing natural phenomena, exploring how household items work, or watching educational videos together can spark interest.
Asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Providing a quiet space for homework, checking their understanding, and praising effort rather than just results can build confidence and motivation.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm—when parents value science, children are more likely to engage and enjoy it.
Encourage your child to complete their SPARX Science independent learning.

Useful Resources

BBC Bitesize

Search periodic table of elements

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PhET interactive simulations

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Half-Term 3

Summary

Topics covered:

Electricity and circuits

Students will learn that electric current is the flow of charge driven by potential difference, and they explore how current, voltage, and resistance interact in circuits. They study the behaviour of series and parallel circuits, use circuit symbols to draw diagrams, and investigate factors affecting resistance.

Key Vocabulary

· Current – The flow of electric charge through a circuit.

· Voltage – The potential difference that drives current around a circuit.

· Resistance – A measure of how much a component resists the flow of current.

· Conductor – A material that allows electricity to flow easily.

· Insulator – A material that does not allow electricity to flow.

· Circuit – A complete path for electric current to travel.

· Series – A circuit where components are connected one after another.

· Parallel – A circuit where components are connected on separate branches.

· Power – The rate at which energy is transferred or converted.

· Ohm’s Law – The relationship between voltage, current, and resistance.

How to support your child at home

Encouraging curiosity and making science part of everyday life. Simple activities like discussing natural phenomena, exploring how household items work, or watching educational videos together can spark interest.
Asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Providing a quiet space for homework, checking their understanding, and praising effort rather than just results can build confidence and motivation.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm—when parents value science, children are more likely to engage and enjoy it.
Encourage your child to complete their SPARX Science independent learning.

Useful Resources

BBC Bitesize

Search electricity

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PhET interactive simulations

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Half-Term 4

Summary

Topics covered:

Physics practicals

Earth in Space

Key Vocabulary

Universe
Everything that exists, including all matter and energy.

· Galaxy
A huge collection of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity (e.g., the Milky Way).

· Star
A ball of hot gases that produces light and heat through nuclear fusion.

· Planet
A large object that orbits a star and does not produce its own light.

· Moon
A natural satellite that orbits a planet.

· Orbit
The path an object takes around another object in space.

· Gravity
The force that attracts objects toward each other, especially planets and stars.

· Solar System
The Sun and all the objects that orbit it, including planets, moons, and asteroids.

· Asteroid
A rocky object that orbits the Sun, smaller than a planet.

· Comet
A small icy object that orbits the Sun and develops a tail when near it.

How to support your child at home

Encouraging curiosity and making science part of everyday life. Simple activities like discussing natural phenomena, exploring how household items work, or watching educational videos together can spark interest.
Asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Providing a quiet space for homework, checking their understanding, and praising effort rather than just results can build confidence and motivation.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm—when parents value science, children are more likely to engage and enjoy it.
Encourage your child to complete their SPARX Science independent learning.

Useful Resources

BBC Bitesize

Search space

SPARX Science

PhET interactive simulations

Search space

Oak academy

Search space

Half-Term 5

Summary

Topics covered:

Variation, classification and ecology

In this topic students learn how scientists group living organisms based on shared characteristics and how differences occur within and between species. They explore the Linnaean system of classification as well as the concept of variation, which can be caused by genetic factors or environmental influences. Students also study adaptations that help organisms survive in their habitats, the importance of biodiversity for ecosystems, and the distinction between continuous variation (such as height) and discontinuous variation (such as blood group).

Key Vocabulary

· Classification – Organizing living things into groups based on shared characteristics.

· Species – A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

· Linnaean System – The hierarchical system of classification developed by Carl Linnaeus.

· Binomial Name – The two-part scientific name for species (genus and species).

· Variation – Differences between individuals within a species or between species.

· Genetic Variation – Differences caused by inherited genes.

· Environmental Variation – Differences caused by surroundings or lifestyle.

· Adaptation – A feature that helps an organism survive in its environment.

· Biodiversity – The variety of living organisms in an ecosystem.

· Continuous and Discontinuous Variation – Types of variation shown in traits (e.g., height vs. blood group).

How to support your child at home

Encouraging curiosity and making science part of everyday life. Simple activities like discussing natural phenomena, exploring how household items work, or watching educational videos together can spark interest.
Asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Providing a quiet space for homework, checking their understanding, and praising effort rather than just results can build confidence and motivation.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm—when parents value science, children are more likely to engage and enjoy it.
Encourage your child to complete their SPARX Science independent learning.

Useful Resources

BBC Bitesize

Search variation or ecology

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PhET interactive simulations

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Half-Term 6

Summary

Topics covered:

Healthy Living

Review of the year and end of year assessment preparation

In the Healthy Living topic, students learn about the importance of a balanced diet, the roles of nutrients, and how the digestive system processes food to provide energy. They also study the effects of exercise, respiration, lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol, and how microorganisms and the immune system affect health.

Students will then consolidate their learning from all Year 7 and 8 science topics through structured review activities and targeted practice. They will reflect on key concepts, strengthen their understanding of scientific vocabulary, and apply their knowledge to a range of questions in preparation for the end-of-year assessment, which covers the full breadth of content studied throughout the two years.

Key Vocabulary

· Balanced Diet – Eating the right proportions of different food groups.

· Nutrients – Substances in food that provide energy and materials for growth (e.g., carbohydrates, proteins, fats).

· Respiration – The process of releasing energy from food in cells.

· Digestive System – Organs that break down food and absorb nutrients.

· Energy – The fuel the body needs for movement and life processes.

· Exercise – Physical activity that strengthens muscles and improves health.

· Lifestyle Choices – Habits like smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet that affect health.

· Microorganisms – Tiny organisms, some of which cause disease.

· Immune System – The body’s defence against infections and disease.

· Drugs – Substances that can affect the body, including medicines and harmful substances.

How to support your child at home

Encouraging curiosity and making science part of everyday life. Simple activities like discussing natural phenomena, exploring how household items work, or watching educational videos together can spark interest.
Asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Providing a quiet space for homework, checking their understanding, and praising effort rather than just results can build confidence and motivation.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm—when parents value science, children are more likely to engage and enjoy it.
Encourage your child to complete their SPARX Science independent learning.

Useful Resources

BBC Bitesize

Search healthy living

SPARX Science

PhET interactive simulations

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Year 9

Overview / Introduction

During Year 9 science lessons, students will study topics across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, building on the foundational knowledge gained in Years 7 and 8. This year acts as a bridge to GCSE, with topics carefully sequenced to reinforce prior learning while introducing new concepts in a logical progression. Lessons place a strong emphasis on practical work to develop investigative skills and prepare students for GCSE required practical’s. Each lesson begins with a retrieval activity to consolidate understanding and inform future learning, ensuring students are confident and ready for the challenges ahead.

Half-Term 1

Summary

Topics covered:

Scientists – part 1

In this unit, students will be introduced to the work of some of the most influential scientists in history, from Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to Thomas Edison’s ground breaking inventions. They will explore the significance of these discoveries, understand how they shaped modern science and technology, and discuss the lasting impact these ideas have on our lives today. This topic will also encourage students to appreciate the process of scientific development and how curiosity and innovation drive progress.

Key Vocabulary

· Charles Darwin – Scientist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.

· Evolution – The process by which species change over time.

· Natural Selection – The mechanism by which organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce.

· Adaptation – A feature that helps an organism survive in its environment.

· Thomas Edison – Inventor known for developing the electric light bulb and many other innovations.

· Invention – A new device or process created through scientific and technological knowledge.

· Innovation – Improving or creating new ideas, methods, or technologies.

· Scientific Method – A process of observation, experimentation, and analysis to develop scientific knowledge.

· Impact – The effect of scientific discoveries on society and technology.

· Modern Science – Current scientific knowledge built on past discoveries.

How to support your child at home

Encouraging curiosity and making science part of everyday life. Simple activities like discussing natural phenomena, exploring how household items work, or watching educational videos together can spark interest.
Asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Providing a quiet space for homework, checking their understanding, and praising effort rather than just results can build confidence and motivation.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm—when parents value science, children are more likely to engage and enjoy it.
Encourage your child to complete their SPARX Science independent learning.

Useful Resources

BBC Bitesize

Search evolution

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PhET interactive simulations

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Half-Term 2

Summary

Topics covered:

Scientists – part 2

In this unit, students will explore the contributions of influential scientists from the 20th century to the present day, including Rosalind Franklin’s pioneering work on DNA structure and Mae Jemison’s achievements as the first African-American woman in space. Through these examples, students will develop an understanding of how science is an ever-evolving discipline, appreciate the diversity of scientists shaping our world, and examine how recent discoveries and technological advances continue to influence medicine, space exploration, and everyday life.

Key Vocabulary

· Rosalind Franklin – Scientist known for X-ray crystallography work that helped reveal DNA structure.

· DNA – The molecule carrying genetic information in living organisms.

· Double Helix – The structure of DNA discovered through Franklin’s data.

· Mae Jemison – The first African-American woman to travel into space.

· Space Exploration – Scientific study and travel beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

· Innovation – The development of new ideas, methods, or technologies in science.

· Discovery – Finding new knowledge through observation and experimentation.

· Technology – Tools and techniques that advance scientific research.

· Scientific Progress – The continuous improvement and expansion of scientific knowledge.

· Diversity in Science – Inclusion of scientists from different backgrounds contributing to advancements.

How to support your child at home

Encouraging curiosity and making science part of everyday life. Simple activities like discussing natural phenomena, exploring how household items work, or watching educational videos together can spark interest.
Asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Providing a quiet space for homework, checking their understanding, and praising effort rather than just results can build confidence and motivation.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm—when parents value science, children are more likely to engage and enjoy it.
Encourage your child to complete their SPARX Science independent learning.

Useful Resources

BBC Bitesize

Seach DNA

SPARX Science

PhET interactive simulations

Search DNA

Oak academy

Search DNA

Half-Term 3

Summary

Topics covered:

Practical Science enquiry

In this unit, students will engage in a series of hands-on practical activities designed to strengthen and extend the scientific skills they have developed throughout their time at Dinnington High School. They will plan and carry out investigations, collect and analyse data, and apply key concepts such as variables, accuracy, reliability, and safety. This topic aims to build confidence in experimental design, encourage critical thinking, and prepare students for the practical aspects of GCSE science.

Key Vocabulary

· Variable
Something that can change in an experiment.

· Independent Variable
The factor you change in an experiment.

· Dependent Variable
The factor you measure in an experiment.

· Control Variable
Factors you keep the same to make the test fair.

· Accuracy
How close a measurement is to the true value.

· Precision
How close repeated measurements are to each other.

· Reliability
How consistent results are when repeated.

· Anomalous Result
A result that does not fit the pattern.

· Repeatability
Getting similar results when the same person repeats the experiment.

· Reproducibility
Getting similar results when different people repeat the experiment.

How to support your child at home

Encouraging curiosity and making science part of everyday life. Simple activities like discussing natural phenomena, exploring how household items work, or watching educational videos together can spark interest.
Asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Providing a quiet space for homework, checking their understanding, and praising effort rather than just results can build confidence and motivation.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm—when parents value science, children are more likely to engage and enjoy it.
Encourage your child to complete their SPARX Science independent learning.

Useful Resources

BBC Bitesize

Search variables

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PhET interactive simulations

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Search variables

Half-Term 4

Summary

Topics covered:

States of matter and mixtures

Key concepts in Biology

In the States of matter topic students learn about the particle model and how it explains the properties of solids, liquids, and gases, including changes of state and energy transfers. They also study methods of separating mixtures, such as filtration, crystallisation, distillation, and chromatography, and how these processes relate to particle behaviour.

In our Key concepts in Biology topic students learn about the structure and function of animal and plant cells, including organelles and their roles. They also study enzymes and their importance in biological reactions, as well as the processes of diffusion, osmosis, and active transport for moving substances in and out of cells.

Key Vocabulary

· Solid – State of matter with particles tightly packed and fixed in position.

· Liquid – State of matter with particles close together but able to flow.

· Gas – State of matter with particles far apart and moving freely.

· Particle Model – A way of explaining the properties of solids, liquids, and gases using particles.

· Change of State – When matter changes between solid, liquid, and gas (e.g., melting, boiling).

· Melting Point – The temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid.

· Boiling Point – The temperature at which a liquid becomes a gas.

· Mixture – Two or more substances combined without chemical bonding.

· Filtration – A method to separate insoluble solids from liquids.

· Distillation – A process to separate liquids based on boiling points.

· Cell – The basic unit of life in all living organisms.

· Nucleus – The control centre of the cell containing genetic material.

· Cytoplasm – The jelly-like substance where chemical reactions occur.

· Cell Membrane – Controls what enters and leaves the cell.

· Mitochondria – The site of aerobic respiration and energy release.

· Enzyme – A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions.

· Diffusion – Movement of particles from high to low concentration.

· Osmosis – Movement of water through a partially permeable membrane.

· Active Transport – Movement of substances against a concentration gradient using energy.

· DNA – The molecule that carries genetic information in cells.

How to support your child at home

Encouraging curiosity and making science part of everyday life. Simple activities like discussing natural phenomena, exploring how household items work, or watching educational videos together can spark interest.
Asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Providing a quiet space for homework, checking their understanding, and praising effort rather than just results can build confidence and motivation.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm—when parents value science, children are more likely to engage and enjoy it.
Encourage your child to complete their SPARX Science independent learning.

Useful Resources

BBC Bitesize

Search states of matter, and separation techniques

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PhET interactive simulations

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Search states of matter, and separation techniques

Half-Term 5

Summary

Topics covered:

Key concepts in Biology continued.

Conservation of energy

In the Conservation of energy topic students learn that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred between stores or converted from one form to another. They also study energy efficiency, dissipation, and how to calculate energy transfers in systems using the principle of conservation.

Key Vocabulary

· Energy – The ability to do work or cause change.

· Conservation of Energy – Principle stating energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred.

· Energy Store – Where energy is kept (e.g., kinetic, thermal, chemical).

· Energy Transfer – Movement of energy from one store to another.

· Kinetic Energy – Energy of a moving object.

· Gravitational Potential Energy – Energy stored in an object due to its position in a gravitational field.

· Elastic Potential Energy – Energy stored when an object is stretched or compressed.

· Dissipation – Energy spreading out, often as heat to surroundings.

· Efficiency – How much useful energy is transferred compared to wasted energy.

· Work Done – Energy transferred when a force moves an object over a distance.

How to support your child at home

Encouraging curiosity and making science part of everyday life. Simple activities like discussing natural phenomena, exploring how household items work, or watching educational videos together can spark interest.
Asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Providing a quiet space for homework, checking their understanding, and praising effort rather than just results can build confidence and motivation.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm—when parents value science, children are more likely to engage and enjoy it.
Encourage your child to complete their SPARX Science independent learning.

Useful Resources

BBC Bitesize

Seach cells

SPARX Science

PhET interactive simulations

Search energy transfers

Oak academy

Search cells

Half-Term 6

Summary

Topics covered:

Key concepts in Chemistry

In this topic students will learn about the structure of atoms, elements, compounds, and mixtures, and how these relate to the periodic table. They also study chemical formulae, conservation of mass, and the basics of chemical reactions, including balancing equations.

Key Vocabulary

· Atom – The smallest particle of an element that retains its properties.

· Element – A substance made of only one type of atom.

· Compound – A substance formed when two or more elements chemically bond.

· Mixture – Two or more substances combined without chemical bonding.

· Periodic Table – A chart that organizes elements by their properties.

· Atomic Number – The number of protons in an atom’s nucleus.

· Mass Number – The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom.

· Chemical Formula – Symbols showing the elements and their ratios in a compound.

· Conservation of Mass – Principle stating mass is not lost or gained in a chemical reaction.

· Balanced Equation – A chemical equation with equal numbers of atoms on both sides.

How to support your child at home

Encouraging curiosity and making science part of everyday life. Simple activities like discussing natural phenomena, exploring how household items work, or watching educational videos together can spark interest.
Asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think that happens?” helps children develop critical thinking skills.
Providing a quiet space for homework, checking their understanding, and praising effort rather than just results can build confidence and motivation.
Most importantly, show enthusiasm—when parents value science, children are more likely to engage and enjoy it.
Encourage your child to complete their SPARX Science independent learning.

Useful Resources

BBC Bitesize

Search structure of the atom

SPARX Science

PhET interactive simulations

Search structure of the atom

Oak academy

Search structure of the atom